Located in the heart of Kyoto, GOICHI PANINO is just a five-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and approximately ten minutes from Keihan Sanjo Station. Opened on August 10, 2024, the shop was established as a sister business to GOICHI PIZZA, inspired by a request from one of the owner’s Italian regular customers who encouraged him to create a dedicated panini specialist in Kyoto.

The story of GOICHI PANINO is deeply connected to the owner’s culinary training in Italy. After studying bread making in Matera and learning traditional panini techniques in Catania, he returned to Japan with a vision of recreating the atmosphere and quality of an authentic Italian panini shop. The result is a specialty eatery dedicated to showcasing genuine Italian flavors through carefully sourced ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

Central to the concept is the use of freshly baked ciabatta, prepared daily to provide the ideal foundation for each sandwich. The panini are made to order using ingredients displayed at the counter, allowing guests to watch their meal being assembled just as they might at a neighborhood paninoteca in Italy. Many of the cheeses and specialty ingredients are imported directly from Italy, including select products sourced from Naples, ensuring an authentic taste experience.

Adding to the shop’s Italian character, several members of the staff are from Italy and speak Italian, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere and reinforcing the sense of stepping into a genuine Italian café. Alongside its signature panini, GOICHI PANINO serves traditional Italian desserts and authentic Italian coffee, staying true to its focus on quality rather than offering an extensive café-style menu.

The interior and exterior design reflect the spirit of a small Italian specialty shop. Rather than relying on elaborate décor, the space emphasizes warmth, simplicity, and authenticity. The cozy, compact setting evokes the feeling of discovering a local corner shop in Italy, where the focus remains firmly on excellent ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and a relaxed dining experience.

What sets GOICHI PANINO apart is its commitment to authenticity. From the owner’s Italian training and the imported ingredients to the freshly baked ciabatta and Italian-speaking staff, every detail is designed to bring a genuine slice of Italy to Kyoto. Guests can enjoy the unique experience of watching their panini prepared fresh before their eyes, creating a connection between the food and the craftsmanship behind it.

For those seeking an authentic Italian panini experience in Kyoto, GOICHI PANINO delivers a taste of Italy that feels both genuine and welcoming.